Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell is stepping down at the end of this school year, she announced on April 20.

At a special Federal Way Public Schools Board meeting, the board voted unanimously to appoint Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer as the incoming superintendent starting July 1, 2021.

Campbell will remain a school district employee throughout the 2021-2022 school year to mentor Pfeiffer in the new superintendent role, she said.

“In my seventh and final year, I am stepping back and engaging in succession planning to mentor the next leader in Federal Way,” she said. In April six years ago, the board of directors appointed Campbell as superintendent.

“I remember it like it was yesterday; the pride, sheer joy, and immense responsibility I felt when getting that call,” Campbell said during the meeting. “Reflecting on my roots as a young Black girl growing up in Louisiana, I was now seeing my dream come true.”

Campbell said she wanted to do for Federal Way what her teachers had done for her: inspire, empower and educate students to help build an idea of a limitless future.

For the past six years, Campbell said she has given every part of herself to support the students, staff and families of Federal Way Public Schools.

“However, this past year of COVID has prompted me to reassess some parts of my life that have had the greater pull on me — my family,” she said.

Campbell joined the Federal Way district in 2015 and spent six years working in the district’s highest role with a salary of $285,000 as of this school year. In Oct. 2020, Campbell’s contract was extended by the board through June 30, 2024.

Over the past six years, Campbell led the district to increased graduation rates and Advanced Placement course enrollments, initiated the launch of Scholar Voice and Scholar Advisory panels, passed the district’s largest bond measure ever at $450 million, and spearheaded the district’s foundational Strategic Plan for curriculum — the first of its kind in over 20 years — among other achievements.

“Although the board is heartbroken over Superintendent Campbell’s decision, we want to continue to build upon our successes,” said FWPS Board President Geoffery McAnalloy. “We are confident in Dr. Pfeiffer’s ability to continue the great work of Federal Way Public Schools.”

Several board members voiced their support for Pfeiffer to be considered for the role at the Tuesday meeting, noting that her front-row seat working with and witnessing Campbell’s work for the past several years has prepared her for this opportunity.

“It would be a privilege to serve our community in the role of superintendent and to work in partnership with one of the best boards in the state, and continue to care for and carry on the legacy of the work that began six years ago,” Pfeiffer said.